


■jK Sf/JMI/f^l^'S F^EVEJMGE 

THE BEATtH Of K.ieA1B0 1^'^- 



i^cfmHiiJii 



Si >^\ 




\ /c Sf/c^il/^R.E)'S F(EVEJMGE 



THE 0EAT]H Of F^ieAlll^O 'l^'^" 



i/ 



BY DftZlE NOEL 



This play IS Copyrighted and must not be used without^ ^ 
the author's permission. 



^b-fc) 







.. y 



•Vi) GOP' 



■*/f>88 






u 



CpilpEflS, 



RiCARDO Ruiz A Cuban Patriot. 
EuLATE FoNDESVEiLA. A Spanish Officer. 
Victorian Leslie An American. 
Patrick O'Fai.i.en. A Nervous Irishman, 
Rita, Wife of Ricardo 
Mercedes. Sister of Rita, 
Biddy O Grady An Irish Giil 

EvANGEUNA. 1 r-u-u » r> ■ i 

r, > Children ot Ricarclu. 

RiCARDITfi ( 

Time, The present 

Place, Guanahacoa, Cuba- 

Time of Presentation, One hour and forty-five minutes. 




^ §;.ratttarh*0 |^eiieix0e, 



ACT I 

Scene: Room in Ruiz's home. — Pat discovered brushing his mas- 
ter's liat, and singing. — 

Pat. Sure now, an' the masther's hat is retty, an' its toime fer 
that swate bewitchin craythure that waits on the maisthress, to com<^ 
an' hx the table. Ou' Patrick O'Fallen ye're a dead man, an' the dar- 
iint that broke ye're heart did the murther.S he calls me coward, cow- 
ard! Ou' Hiddy. Ye do not know! But I'll not wai ! I'll do it now! 
an' whin they bring me back to ye all could an' sthili, ye'll wape o'er 
ye're cruelty, ves I'll go an' do it now! (Throws off coat, — Biddy ap- 
peal's at door, unseen by Pat.) Farewell to ye Hiddy! Fer ye Oi'm 
goin' out to fame and death. My heart is dyin' (er one look of ye're 
bright eyes, but I'll not wait! Good-bye darlint, good-byel (Starts out 
running — hears shots, starts and screams) By the stars! what's that! 
(Brushes against Biddy — knocking tray out of her hand and Ijreaking 
dishes, Biddy boxes his ears.) 

Biddy; There now, ye careless, cowart see whatye've done! Ve ve 
broken the maisthres' china and 1*11 begetting the scoulding! Oh, 
whatever shall I do! 

Pat; Och, Biddy darlint, don't ye cry; ye need na' fear the mais 
thress when Patrick O'Fallen is by to protect ye wici his strong arm. 
Nae one shall harm ye, for I love ye, so I do; I was just going out to 
fight for ye, whin — 

Biddy; When ye heard a gun go off, ye cowart! 

Pat: No, no, Biddy, whin I heard ye comin- an- ran I)ack for 
on^ glance of ye're "blue eyes" 

Biddy: Faith an' I belave ye've bin to ould Ireland this day an, 
kissed the "Blarney Slime" — But that dont mend the broken plaies; 
oh (leir, oh. dear! Whnl shall I do? 



i.lV'il: ((lioing nexvier) iJo'.' O Hitldy cinne to me aimsl Tliey aie 
siruiis; air tnie tu piotectin- ye. An' i^iy hearts j st dyin .fer one ki.ss 
fn> yer swate l.ps. i liiiddy dailirit give me one glance from ye're l)lue 
eyes lielore' I goUmt to fight for ye just one won I ye? 

UiDDY: No I won't! Ye re j^iin away to lave me to tell the 
mnisilness aliMut the china, ye cowati! ye're just sneakin and lavin' 
nu- with aii the blame of ye're a'ln fault. 

Pa'I': No BuJdy darlint 111 tell the maister about it. iiut I must 
i^n an hght fer this country like a true so > of Irelind. (loixl bye Itid- 
dv darhnt'.' Wh.n ihrv bring me l<acU lo ye-dead ye II be surry ye 
li-t me go without uiie swale kiss. • ' . i ■> ' 

hlDliN'; When ye die. ye black rascal twill be from, scare an' 
not from hghtl (jli I'at I'at. therecou.es the maisler an whatever 
shal' I do! oh dear, oh dear! 

I'a'": (backing off) Oh never nioind I 11 make it all right wid the 
maistcr; he 11 never Scould ye. ye darlint! (lood-bxe Hiddy I nv 
goin li> lave ye now; I m going to light fer ye en glory. 

1! ih)Y: \'e're g')in to lave me ye cov\'aid liecause ye hear tlie 
ma ster comin an" yere scirt of his scoulding. Ye're a mane ciurl 
fellow an' I hate ye so I do! 

1> r: ( till backing ofi and holding out his hands apnealingly. ) 
Swate crayture. don t break me heart when I'm goin' out to war an 
death jist fe ye! I love ye Biddy, so I do; an' if I live I II 
come back to ye some day, covered all over wid glory. I m brave 

an' strong, 1 I — (hears explosion, jumps up in fright and rushes 
behinil Biddy) Au! Au! Howly Moses protect usi ye saints jiiesarve usi 
Au! help! nnirthuration! Ill 

1)1 I)Y: Au yes! Ye re brave an' true ye love me so ye do! Ye'^e 
goin out to fi^ht for me; come on, ye don i need Howly Moses to pm- 
t-ct ye nor the sainf^ to presarve ye I can do both! 

Pat: (s eaking out trembling!)) Au Biddy, liiddy. don t talk so 
I m not scart. 

Biddy: Au I'at ye're no good at all at all; ye have broken me heart 
in paces onc't this minute tiy yer cowardice; If ycre not scairt what 
makei ye tremf'le so? 

Pat: Suren.w Biddy, Im not trembling. I'm could, an ye ought 
to know it's me narves that s affected, 

Biddy; Ye thaving creyture! who ever heard of a man with narves? 

Pat: Begorra! But ye re hard on a fellow; (goes nearer and puts 
arms round her ) Come now. an" give me a swate kiss Biddy darlint, 
i)e aisy now wid yer folorn Pat I hear the maister now, for shure. 

Biddy: Let me pick up the dishes, (begins to pick up dishes.) 

Pat; The maister's comin' an' it's toime fer me to go! an' Bi <ly 
if yer won't give me a kiss Til jist st^le it. (kisses her.) 

BiDDY: Begone ye thavin' wretch! 



I'Ai: 'I'hat s jist what r,m ^doin', now I Goin" off to fight vyid the Cali- 
bans (goes to the door) Biddy, yvhin I m gone, ye 11 lie sorry fer 
cruelty to Patrick 0'Ka,llen. the; brave, an' the true. " 

Biddy: Howiy MospsI [The maister's here almost alretty ah' llie 
baste is laving me to beai; the blame for nis broken china! ' 

Fat: (Shot heard outside, Pat screams) Dere now, an I never 
done nothin I Hely. help! Murthur! Mel,p hel .! (rushes in, and falls 
on floor) Au, I m kil.t! ^\\q to paces! at onct entirely ,I"m dead, 
t_)i m dead. (Falls down.) 

l!ll)UV: Au Pat Pat, ye darlint? What "s the niather? 

Pat.. Shure now an can t ye see? I'm shot to paces an" it's all 
y(]|ur fiult. (Begins rolling apd screaming ) Och! murther, help! (En- 
ters Dr. Rui^ hurridly) 

Ruis: What s the trouble, Hiddy? 

Biddy: Shure now. ^n I don't know; only Pat say.s he s kilt an' 
that's its my fault! Shure now an' can't ye help him. maister can t ye'! 

Ruis: Pa shot'.' Why Biddy you must be mistaken. 

liiDDY: Shure now maister, an he's shot! an' its nie own heart 
thats breakrn' in papes for I love him, so I do. (Kneels over Pat 
ai)d weeps.) Au Pat, Pat me darlint I didnt mane to be such a 
hard hearted craytuie! Look at me just once, widyer own eyes! 
, Ruif«.: (who has been examining Pat) Biddy, here is no cause fcr 
youi alarm. This is only a case of Pat's nervousness. Pat my m^in 
stand Uji! 

Pat: (Sits up and appears an^ry) Begorra! how do you expect a 
, .(lead, n|ian to sti^nfi np! Faith I belave the world s crazy. 

( BiDDY: ( fhrovvf; up her hands in afl'right) Au au' it s his ghoust 
that's spaking! A" fat dead or alive don t harm mel 

Pat: Au liidily ye re, swate voice weuld wake the dead. Ve have 
brought me liack, to life, so ye have! 

Kills: Stand up and explain yourself; Pat: a little n".o:e of this fool- 
ishness .and I'll discharge you. 

Pat: (gets up tremblingly) ."^hure an' it s a hard maister that dischar- 
ges a dead man. 

Ruis: E-xjilain yourself I say. 

BiUDV:, Au I m so scairt, I can't move! I ho|ie Pat's uhmisj 
won t spake to me I'd die so I would. 

PaT: Shure now maister an I don t know how to ixplahi; I 
wint out into the yard an' a sojer stips up to me an sez sez he, pint- 
in' a gun at me pintin" a gun m ind, that mon, sez he wheres yer 
maister"? An' I sez to myself sez I. I'll tiy my heels fin' I troid 
them. An he sez hall! An' "oears loike my feet .vouldn t stop! an 
that ould black-guard he jist let go an fired An' I thought I was a 
dead mon. I m a fool, so lam, excusin' yer honor fer such Ian- 



— 4— 

Ruis: Your language is quite excusable I'at. You would be a line 
man but for your cowardice, overrome that and I 11 advance you. 

Pat: Shure how an I thank ye Im not a cowart at all. at all. 
It s jist me narves ats affected. 

Ruiz: I 11 go out and look into this matter, (exit.) 

Fat: Au' Biddy Hid y; now I can tell ye how I love ye! Biddy- 

liiODY: (Looks at him in horror) An' I don t want o be made love 
to by a mon s ghousil Kape away from me 

Tai: (goLS neaier) Au Biddy I m not kilt I m alivel Faith an' 
I'^est confounded narvcs of mine have got nie in a fixl an' me own 
P)iddy thinks I'm a ghousti an' I don't know what to do. Au Bid- 
dy whin ye feci me strong arms about yer juetly waist, ye 11 know I'm 
alive ((ioes to her and |,uts Ins arm round her waist. Rita a jiears 
at door Biddy screams) 

Rita: Biddy, what is the cause of this disturbance? If you and 
Pat desire to converse '•etire to the servant s hall. 

l'.A.i: Yes m beg I yer pardin maisthress; But it wasn I me. Biddy 
i.-. nioighty swate an temptin , jist like all women ye know an an — 

Rri a; Biddy, how is it that dinner is not prepared? 

BiDUY: Pat will tell ye maisthress he said he d make it all right 
v»id ye Shure an" the broken things is not me own lault. Ask I'at 
he 11 tel' ye all about it. 

Rii'A: Pat has nothing whatever to do with the dinner I hold you 
entirely responsible. 

Pat: Shure now an the m.iis hress an angel ol goodness an justice, 

Biuiv: I know now its Pat spakin . I'at alive and well. No 
ghuust could be .m) mane entiiely! 

Rita: Pat call your master! Biddy bring the dinner! 

Pat: Call my maistcr? I wonder if any more of them guns is 
goin off? I'm in a fix now, the guns on one side an' the maisthress 
o" the otiier but bless ouUl Ireland, I'd rayihcr face ten tliousimd 
guns than one mad maisthress, (exit.) 

Rita: Biddy I do not wish to scold you for you have been a good 
faithful girl yet I cannot possibly permil such carelessness as you 
have shown here this morning. 

Bid;^y: Shure an ye won t scouln me when I tell ye about it I 
did nt mane to do ir an I could nt kape from it. I was jis comin 
in at one door an Pat was comin in the other, (cries) an- I did nt 
see him (cries) an' I run against him an' spilt the things an liioke 
dishes Shure now an' I didnt mane to do it. 

RlTi" : There that will do my good girl. I'm never cross abo it 
an accident That blundering Pat keeps the house in a regular tur- 
moil. I shall ask your master to discharge him. 

BlDD'V: An' ye don t mane it! The broken things is all my fr.ult. 
an" he is a good boy, an' ye w<mt send him aw.Ty. will ye maisthress? 



-5- 

Rita: I womler wliat can be the meaning of the skirmishing so 
near tlie li)wnl All morning I have hearel llie report of continuous 
filing in the outskirts, and now shot and shell are falhng around us. 
I fear isasler is near! I shall persuade Ricardo to fly with mysel' 
and children to some safe place. We have no part in this terrible war. 
for though by right of blood I am Spanish and he Cuban, we and 
our children are in truth Americans; and the stars and stripes float 
in protecting glory over lis. ( -hoi heard without; Pat comes run- 
ning in.) 

I'at; Begorral an' thim houa<ls are adlier me agini Kaitli an 
I m goin to sthay in the house aU dayl- (Enter Dr. Ruiz) 

Kuiz: Rita my wife, my best b=loved; give thou thanks to-(iay, 
tliat in this perilous time thou canst rest secure. Tis thine own 
countrymen liringing such misery upon the land. Hut now I saw a 
simple unoffending citizen torn from the bosom o( his family and sent 
to his death befoiethe eyes of his frighfened wife and childien. O 
Rita I were it not that these wi etches are tliiiie own countrymen, I 
would throw oft this conservative course, and in the true Ameiican 
spirit give myself up. iiody and si)ul, to the cause of the rebels. But 
I cannot leave thee at the mercy of this bloodthirsty peoplel A man s 
first duty is lo protect his wile and helpless children, and that will I 
do — yea, though it cost me my life and bloodi 

Rita: Ricardo, let us fly — let us haste from these scenes of car- 
nagel [ do not fear for myself. They will not harm mel liut I 
dieamcil, oh! husband of my soul, that you were torn from me! Lis- 
ten! in my dream, I saw the dark lowering face of our enemy Fondes 
veila! He stood between us, and stretching out his great villainous 
tliands forced you from me! It Seemed then as if a mist arose, and a 
I gazed enveloped you. Yet. peering out of it forever shone his 
hated face. I had lost sight of you, yet I could never lose sight of 
him Oh Ricaido, let us fly! It matters rot wher". but let us go! 
I fear for your life, my heart tells me they will kill you. Your death 
would bi mine— I have given up all for thee; home, Iriends and coun- 
try; and I will (ollow thee to the ends of the eaith Without tb)- love, 
my heart would languish. In thv l^fe I live, in thy death die! 

Ruiz: Thou art ill, Rita else thou wouldst not lie so weak as to 
allow a dream to annc^y thee. Dost thou n(jt know dear that I have 
become a citizen of the states? We aie n 'W children of America; and 
well doth she protect her offspring! The violent shrink before her 
frown the hardy treir.ble at her feet; and none dare molest her childien! 
Kear not thou for our country is 'The land of the fee and the home 
of the biive. " Let him who dare insult us. ihen shall her \cngeance 
fall! 

Rita: O R cardo, thou art strong and I am weak; bear thou with 
me yet, as you say lam ill. The dream haunts me. In this hostile 
lind I can kno>v ni peace. I believe, vea I know, danger and also 



-6- 

(leatli nwail ihee! ■I'hou speakcsl of ver.gennce, Rirardo iuit « Iiat 
would that avail, il thou wert gone? O, the thought maddens me! 
Come, let us fly, now!' This very mouieiil! 

Ri'iz: (."ahi. thyself child! I do not understand thee! 
ir\: Calm myselt? Calm myself, when my l)lood leaps in frenzy 
ihrouL'h my vems, and iieais m anger on my brain. — canying with it 
ever and anon, the image of his vengelul face! O. Ricardo, I am 
mad— aiadl i'u.tect thysell ihat we may yet live and love. 

Ruiz: Listen to me, Rita I fear nothing— no one — yet I swear 
Uy the love I liear thee that with thee sind our little ones. I will leave 
this place to-morrow! 

KilA: To-morrow? (). Ricardo. say to-day! 

RiJi/: To-morrow! 

Rita: To-morrow. (). ye merciful heavens to-morrow will he 
loo late! 

Ruiz: To-morrow tboii and I, with our little ones will i1y Ui that' 
land of which I told thee. There our lives will he one grand, sweet 
sonT. 'There I will teach thee to be glad again — joyous as thou wert 
ill thy girdiood home before thou cime iway with me. 

Pat: Begorra if he aint making love to her all over again! Faidi, 
an' I didn t know married folks was so lovin . (Knter Biddy with 
children.) 

Biddy; Here are the children, Maisthress. [ found ihiin in the 
garden talking about the fairies, an' I belave the darlints belave in 
thuii enii ely. 

RiCAKUiro: We do cause we heard • m didn't we, sister? 

EVAN'tiKLiN : 'Es we did. Wh , Mama we heard them d's as 
p am as I tan y u when you talks to me. 'The fairies were in the rose- 
busli cause we heard 'em? 

Rita: Biddy what do the chddrcn mean? Have you been play- 
ing off any pranks on the.n? 

lilDDY: Share an I don 1 know no more than you do an' I can t 
understhand it at a'l, at all. 

RiCARDlTO: Of course you don t. Nobody understands the fairies. 

Eva: Nobody but dood 'ittle diils. Boys never do. 

RiCAKDf.O: Well, it you hadn t answered Biddy when she clled, 
I'd a known all about it! 

Eva: Buldy spoiled it all. I don't like nurses they are always in 
the way. 

RiCAKDlTO: Specially when they are like Biddy! The fairy be- 
hind the rose bush said: "Come here children and let me give yni 
something for your p^pa; ' 'Then Biddy called and scared the fairy away. 

Eva: Biddy's mean, I dont like her. She shan t dress my dolly 
any more. No yon tan't, you old mean 15iddy! Come on Buddie, 
lets play. (Exit Biddy and children.) 

Rita: Some one of the servants have been trying to frighten the 



— 7— 

(iiildii'n. \'()u iiuisl k)f)k into ilie mallei Ricado. (Enter Mer.) 

Mhr: Ricado yi)ii must fly you are shadowed; a terrible scheme 
is l)eing contrived to cast you into prison, (^uick, haste, go now be" 
lore it is too late! 

Ri IS: V hat mean you girl? Why should I fly? I am an unoffen- 
ding citizen abiding peacefully in the bosom of my family. Only the 
guilty flee from justice the innocent embrace it: Let them hatch 
their schemes; I have no fear. 

Mer; O. Ricadol Vou do not know with whom you have to deal 
else you would not speak so rashly. I was in the garden gathering roses 
for the children, when I heard my nanie spoken in a low, cautious 
voice. I cou'd see no one, but from behind the dark foliage a strange 
hand passed me a note, and the unseen person had me haste with it to 
you, saying that in thus warning you he lisked his life. And as I turn- 
ed to go that same voice whispered the dreaded name, — Fondesveila! 

Rita: Ye powtrs 1 1 everlasting darkness! Shall I never escape his 
vengence. 

Mer: Ricado, read this warning delivered bv an unknown hand, 
(hands him a note.) 

Ruiz: (Reading) A terrilile fate awaits you. \'our only hope lies 
in flight — a friend, 

Rita: '1 he dream! The dream! (Runs to entrances, looks out.) 
O, Ricardo, your only hope lies in flight! Ricardo, if thou lovest me, 
go! I care not what fate befalls me — if thou art only safe Remem- 
ber thou — oh lover of my soul — that thy life is mine — and leave me! 

Ruiz: Leave thee in that villain's clutches? Never! Rita, when 
I look the marriage vow I swore to piotect thre, and through life and 
death I will keep that vow! 

Rita: O that I should be thy ruin! There is no light, no life no 
love — il thou, Ricardo wilt die! Is there no ho^Jc? No hope? 

Mik: Yes; the secret passage! Rita, -Ricardo. Clo ere it is too 
late! 

Rita: Yes, the secret passage Come! (Forces Ricardo to he 
door. Fondtsveila intercepts. — ^Rita throws hands to head in despair 
and screams.) 

Rii'a: Fondesveila! 

Fon: Good Uiorning. Rita. Thou art lieautiful as ever. Come. 
Ihtle one, and give nic a kiss as .n the days gone by. 

Ruiz: Silence liai! Insult my wife again and hell itself will give 
me power to kill you I 

FoN: You are rather violent for a doomed man I have here upon 
my person a waricnt for your arrest. It can be proven beyond a doubt 
that you were the instigator of a plan for wrecking a train which bore 
supplies and re-inf rcements to ihe Spanish camp. \'our infernal 
scheme was carried into execution last night. Make no resistance for 
I h ivethe house surrounded by armed men, and you are in my power. 



-8- 

Ruiz: Have no fear I shall not resist. I am iieri'ecily f;uiltless of 
any part in this intrigue. My wife and I spent last ewninj,' with a 
Inend. I ca'"' prove an alihi! 

KlT\: l-ondesveilia — vilest ol the vile —It seems as if your terrible 
hatred and dastardly rexensje will follow nie anti mine even to the 
hrmk of the grave \'et know yt>u that even in this yiir seeming iii- 
iimph. I yeidefvviu, I )o your worsti Vou can never separate usi 
for wheiecver my hu-band goes, there will I go; his pris"n shall l>e 
my paradise: lus'ealh my death his grave my everlasting resting place. 

P"ON: (Calling to those outside) Come my men! (Enter two guards) 
Place the shackles on my prisoner. Keep Madam Kuiz from her hus- 
band! V\ e do not care to witne^is an affectionate farewell. (To Rita,) 
More, liut one step, and you are (le:id' (l)iaws sword) 

Riia: And what is deatlil Think ye I fear it! I would lalher 
spend one moment by Ricado s side than live a lifetime were he not 
here. (Starts toward Ricaido soldier forces her liack.) 

Fon: I'ui the shackles on that man, we have no time to waste in jiarley . 

Mek: V'illiaii! Were I a man I d kill you: 

FON: Spoil not thy fair face, Senontta, by such an ugly stare. (To 
soldiers,) Make haste and shackle him. 

Rita: F"ondesveilia you surely would not chain him as a dog? Hear 
me Fondesveiiia. for the first time in my life I humble mysell, I im- 
plore I beg of you do what you will with me; drag me ns a. slave 
throughout he streets, hut do not place those awfid chains upi n 
Ricardo. (Soldiers hesitate.) 

Fon: Tis much against my principals, to refuse such gtntle plead- 
ing; but as a Spanise f)fhcer I must do my duty. ( lo soldieri-.) Obey 
me! (>cddiers handcutl Ruiz ) 

Rita.: F'ondesve la, for the love of mercy I implore you to desist. 

Ruiz: Rita. I beg, nay by the love thou bearest me. I command 
rhee lo say no more. Taint not thyself by speech with that wretch. 
This blow has fallen on the head of an innocent man 1 know not what 
may come. Hut Rita, if aught befall thee Or thine through the treach- 
ery of these men remember that I am ari American, and she will 
avenge an insult offered to her children. In this knowlege I rest, lleed 
this my parting injunction: and in the hour of danger, if thy Ricirdo 
be not by to protect thee, flee with the swiftness of the wind to Ameri- 
ca, the country of my adoption O Rita that I should leave thee thus 
without one word of parting, one touch of thy dear hands one kiss 
from thy sweet lips. 

Rita: Ricardo. in the love of mercy say no iiiorel It will kill mt! 
(starts towards Ricardo) 

Soldier: Come no nearer Senora 

Mer: Brother, farewell. I at least may embrace you. 

Eva (To Fon): Please don't hurt my mama! You are a dreat big 
rnan and ought to be good to my mama. Mami pitty little mama 



-9- 

don't cry. They won't hurt you. Will you, Mr. Big Man? 

KicARDiTO: Come, sister, let's kiss | apa good-bye. These mean 
men are going to take him away. 

Ruiz (kissing each of the children): My children — sunshine of thy 
mother's life and mine — I must leave thee! I du nO" know when I 
shall return to thee perhaps never. If I do not, thou must both re- 
member my only command to thee is that thou love thy dear mother. 
My son, the days will come and go quickly and ere long thou wilt 
wake to find thyself grown to manhood. If then thy father be no 
more it will be thy sacred duty t(» protect thy mother. Mercedes, 
rosebud of my heart; Rita, Rita, light of my life, farewell! Live 
thy lives in peace nor let the shadow nf my misfortune exclude the 
Sunlight of thy happiness; sing and be glad yet steal away from the 
gay throng now and then to find my everlasting resting place. And 
in the solitude of night let fall a tear upon the grave of him whom 
thou will see no more. Loved ones once more farewell! 

Rita: Ricardo, thou wilt not surely die! O death! take thou me 
in thy cold embrace; press thy frozen lips t<> mine, and let me die! 

FoN: Again. I command you to the prison with your man! Ricar- 
do Ruiz, are you ready? 

Ruiz: I am ready. Fondesveila, you have your revenge. I am 
in your power. Do with me as you will; heap upon me the tortures 
of the inquisition, I will not shrink; thrust me into the fiery furnace. 
I can face death unflinchingly; but if you so much as harm one hair on 
the head of the woman who bears my name the grave itself shall not 
keep Ricardo Ruiz from his revenge! (Curtain) 




-10- 



A SPANIARD'S REVENGE. 



ACT II. 



SCENE, SAME AS ACT I. 



Mercedes — (Looking out center door): Is it true that you are go- 
ing from us forever? I fear it is! and I feel that this last lingering 
gaze is my sad farewell. They are taking you from me. Your beloved' 
form grows more and more indistinct with each retreating footstep. 
O, merciful heaven have pity upon this Stricken house. Th y force 
him onward! From this shadowy distance my blinded eyes fail me! 
I have looked my last upon my brother. How can this life be lived 
without you? Ricardo come back to your home and helpless family: 
O, Ricardo. come back come back! (Enter Pat.) 

Pai : There s a gentleman outside to see ye IVIiss. 

Mek: Do not admit him. I receive no one to-day. 

Pat: Yes Miss, but he s sich a foine lookin gentleman, an he's 
got a umbrella an' a cane. 

Mer: Pat, you are impertinent' It matters not what I'is charac- 
ter or personal appearance be, I do not w'sh to see him. That 
is all. 

Pat: Ach an' ye re a turnin" a very prince from yer door. 

Mer: Were he a king, my answer would still be the same. Take 
him this word: Neither myself or Senoia Ruiz will receive any guest 
at the present lime. 

Pat: Ach. now Miss, ye won't be so hard on a poor fellow! He 
wants to see ye about the Masther an help ye so he sez. Won't ye 
see him, Miss? 

MeR: Your impertinent persistence makes an explanation necessa- 
ly As you know, my brother, through the instrumentality of Eulate 
Fondesveila. has become a Spanish prisoner, and that his family are 
now unprotected. 

There is no law to the lawless, and every Spaniard, whether he come 
as friend or foe, is to be considered but as a ravening wolf, seeking 
an opportunity to seize and devour, the helpless family of the doomed 
patriot. Our only hope of safety lies in keeping all persons from us, 
and for this reason I would have you guard the house well. Let no 
one enter. You understand me? 



-11— 

Pet: Yis mum! 

Mer: And Pat, if you only have the courage, you can help me 
rescue Ricardo. Will you? 

P\T: Well now, an' ye see its this way. Tve got the courage for 
shute I have. But I'm skeered that if I get in with theoi Spanish 
hounds; my narves'd fail me. Ye know they're kind o shaky. 

Mer: You are are aconsumate coward! Oh. that I had your phy- 
sical being or you my fearlessness. Go out of my sight. I cannot en- 
dure to look upon that which is a man, and yet is not Go into the gar- 
den and do not let me see your cowardly face to-day. 

Pat; Yess miss, (aside) Faith an' I may be a coward but I a'int 
no fool! An' I aint a'goin' to let that foine ginlleman lave this house 
nayther. I'll jist misundersthand thim orders an bring him in. Ach! 
an'its a foine thing to have since, if ye haint got narves. (Exit.) 

Mer: If I had but a man's strength I might foil this treacherous 
Fondesveila. and save my brother. I know no one save Pat to whom 
I could trust my secret, and ii he were but as brave as he is strong we 
would succeed. Shall I see him languish In a Spanish prison with no 
one by to comfort or to aid him? No: a thousand times, no! Ricardo, 
I will find and rescue you from your keepers. But how how? I can 
not say, still I will save him if he but live' (Victor Leslie appears at 
door.) 

ViC: This must be the room! Yes, I am sure! There is my little 
Spanish maid. Her name, I believe, is Mercedes (goes to her). Hist. 
Mercedes! (Mercedes starts) Make no sound! I am watched, and 
if my mission be discovered, we may both lose our lives. 

Mer: And who are you? 

Vic: A friend. 

Mer: Those hated of Fondesveila have no friends. 

Vic: You mistake; for you have a friend, and he would not fear to 
declare hmiself as such to Fondesvei.a himself. 

Mek: You spoke of a mis-iion. What is it? 

Vic: To make a long story short, I wish to take your brother from 
the enemy. 

Mkr: (Laughs scornfully) And so that is the trap you lay for the 
unsuspecting Senorita, is it? Well, for your own satisfaction I will tell 
you, she will not fall into ill I know the treachery of your people and 
shall not become a victim ([..aughs scornfully.) You think to de- 
ceive me by soft words and offers of assistance, but I shall not betray 
myself. And know you once fur all, there is not a Spaniard upon the 
Cuban isle into whose hands I would put my secret. 

Vic: ( rhrows off" Spanish cloak and hat) Mercedes, I am not a 
Spaniard! 

Mer: If not what are you? 

Vic: An American! 

Mer; An American you say! If that be true, then I will trust you 



-;2- 

with my life 

Vic: Ii is true, Mercedes; True as life itself. 

Mer: Then how came you here? 

Vic: I belong to the American Press Association, and V>eing of an 
adventurous nature came here in search of news and historical matter. 
1 learned of your brother's peril aud did ail I could to save him. 
Did the warning come too late? 

Mek: O tell me tell me are you - 

Vic: 1 he "unknown frienJ ! 

Mer: I should have known that none but an American would he so 
brave; and I offer you my thanks giving: Here upon my knees I pour 
out my heart s deep gratitude and take the Spanish maiden s oath of 
fidelity. If ever the time comes when you need a woman s hand to 
guide or guard you, you will find Mercedes, the Spanish St-noiita 
reidy to offer her life in payment fo the debt of gratitude she owes 
you. We Spaniards are proud and true. We never forget those who 
render us a service. 

Vic: Rise, Mercedes. It is unbecoming that you should kneel to 
me I have done but that which any man should do for another in 
distress. And I am willing to aid you in the rescue of your brother. 
Have you confidence in me. a stranger? 

Mer: My ■ unknown friend,' my American protector ask you not 
that question! 

Vic: And I may undertake his rescue, and you will aid me? 

Mer. Decide upon your plan I will do all you ask 

Vic: I have done so and the task which I have laid out for you is 
fraught with danger. Do you shrink from imperiling your life? 

Mer: For my brother — no! 

Vic: I knew that you were brave! You must discover the prison 
in which Ricardo is confined. This much I must know, but for me to 
seek it would arouse suspicion; for you it will be different. They w'U 
not suspect you. Mercedes, find the prison and Ricardo's cell and I 
will deem it no risk too great, and if it is within my power will ac- 
complish his release. I must not stay longer; i( I be discovered ij 
will not be well for either of us. Faiewell. 

Mer: Do not leave till you have told me your name. 

Vic: For your own safety, I dare not! Some happier time you 
may know me for what I am and then I trust we will be friends. 

Mer: (Aside) Friends? Friends? No! Rather would I be his 
enemy. Friend, what a senseless word! (To Vic) Look; Fondesveila 
IS coming. Leave me quickly, or we are lost! (Vic. picks up his hat 
and coat, then kisses Mer.'s hand) Go, go, or we are lost! (Exit 
Vic.) Why does he go so slowly? Why does he not run? I fear he 
will be caught, and if he is, (takes out dagger) I will kill the one who 
takes him! (Enter Fon) (Mercedes secretes dagger.) 

FoN: Aha, you see I have returned. It is quite impossible for me 



-13- 

to remain long a ay from those who have enslaved my afiections. 

Mer: 'Tis indeed a pity for you to lavish your affections upon 
those who receive them so unkindly. 

FON: I would suggest; girl, that you be a trifle more civil. 

Mer: Td like to be your civil executioner! 

FoN: Enough ot this personality (takes her hands roughly). An- 
swer me tru hfully, girl, did I not hear voices when I entered? 

Mer: And if you did; has it come to such a pass that I must have 
permission from you before covvc-rsing with the household? 

FoN: Jest not with me! I heard a man's voice as I came 
in And I tell you now if you are plottmg with some lover to 
thwart me you will come to grief. I brook no interference. If you 
cross my path I will assign you such a punishment that cieiith itself will 
be a boon not granted you. I am in authority here, and this house 
shall as others before it be subjugated. For all Spain honors, and 
Cuba fears tae name of Fondesveila. 

Mer- Seek not to intimidate me, Fondesveila! Ilavea care man 
lest at some time you are slain by a woman s avengeful hand! (Enter 
Hiddy aud Pat with children.) 

BlUDY: Ach, an that rascal's here agin. Faith an' he d skeer a 
dead man! 

I'at: Begorra, an" I'm not shure but he skeered me into a flean 
man! (Enter Rita.) 

Rita: (Seats herself — does not notice Fon.) Mercedes my sister, 
come to me; let me take your hand in mine that I may know you, too, 
have not been torn from me. O. Mercedes, my heart is dead my soul 
is blind, liring me my chil Iren (weeps). 

Eva: Don' l cry, mama; pretty mama — papa'll come back t') you 
and then we will kill that mean man. You are a bad man, to steal 
my papa; and I hate you. 

Mek: r>iddy, take the children away. This is no jilacc for theui. 

BiuuY: Ves mu n. Come on, ye darhnts. Biddy'll tell you a 
story that will make ye forgit all aboutthat baste smeanness. Come on. 

Eva: I don't want a fairy *rory. I'm a going t>' stay by my mama 
till that mean man goes away. 

Ri: Didn't »ou hear papa tell ine to take care of mama! I II not 
leave till that man does. 

Mek. Yes, dear, your father told you to protect all women, but he 
meant when you grew to be a man. 

Rl: Well. I guess I m most a man now. aint I? 

Mek: Yes, dear; almost but be a good little man. and go with 
Biddy. 

BiDDY: Come dearies, an' ye own Biddy will tell ye all about 
the fairies! Come on Pat. (Biddy and children exit.) 

Pat: Faith she talks loike Oi was tied to her apron sthring. Faith, 
an' Oi blave Oi am. (Aside.) That ould blackguard is looking at the 



— i4.— 

Maisthress loike he was up to no good' Oi'd kill him if I wasn't so 
confounded n-rveous! (Exit.) 

Mek: Fon, you have cariied out your diabolical scheme and I see 
• o need of you remaining longer. Go! and take my curses with youl 
There is no torture to which I would not consign you. Had I the pow 
cr I Would send ymi to a living tomb. Gol Fiend incarnate. Gol 

Fon: Not yet. beautiful Senorita not yet. My purpose is not 
aco'implished: for when I leave this place Senora Ruiz goes with me. 

Mek: (Aside) I think n<nl (exit ) 

Fon: (Goes t^" Rita takes her hand) Come. Rita; after all tnese 
years ol waiting you arc mine at last! 

Rita: (kismg and thrusting him aside) Fiend! What wou d you 
now? I feel that I nm mad; my brain is reeling beneath its weight 
and anguish Go! ^nd gloat over your success. Stay not here to 
taunt me with my weakness, ''o — and let me die! 

FoN: No Kita; I cannot let you die. . I hope yet to enjoy many 
happy hours with you cny loved one. O, Rita I have loved you with 
a luve that has thrust me into the very depths of hell, and raiseil me 
t> the heights of heaven that lias inspired me with the holiest senti- 
ments, and forced me into the darkest crimes the human mind can 
know. From the hour you refused me and accepted Ricardo, my 
heart has known but one passion and that is murder! murder! murd. r! 
(Aside) No no. I cannot! (To Rita) And now Rita, yqu are 
mine — do not shrink from me — you are m'ne and cannot help your- 
self! 

Rita: But I can help myself. The American government stands 
between me and harm. What mean you by this insolence? 

V^ti: The American governmeiU — bah! It did not save Ricardo; 
neither shall it step from its height of dignity to protect you. What do 
I mean? Simply this: I shall have the Spanish government grant 
you a decree of divorce and you shall become the wife of the Spanish 
officer Fondesveila! 

Rita: That I shall never do. 

Fon: Wait till you have heard me through. I tell you, Rita, you 
shall be my wife! 

Rita; Never! No power on land or sea could make me so. 

Fon: Be not so sure! By this time Ricardo lies in prison, await- 
ing his trial which means to him death. I. and I alone, can save 
him. If you come with me upon the conditions mentioned, he shall 
have life and liberty. If not — he shall have death. Make your de- 
cision now! 

Rita: With all your wickedness I do not believe you capable of 
a crime SC) heinous. You will not withhold testimony that will clear a 
guiltless man. You will not allow a guiltless man to suffer the death 
penalty? 

Fon: The matter is no longer within my hands. Your husband's 



-15- 

life rests entirely within your own. 

Rita: Fiend, do as you will! My Ricardo would rather die a 
thousand deaths, than that his wife should know dishonor! 

FoN: And she defies me. I shall try another plan. (To Rita) 
And so you mete out death to youi beloved husband? I really had 
not expected such a show of affection. Tis indeed touching* 

Rita. Taunt, threaten, as you will! No suftering can change my 
purpose and I shall live or die true to my husband. 

FoN: Will he appreciate your truth, when I visit him in his cell 
explain to him your peculiar devotion which c>>n<lemns him to death, 
when it could as easily give him life. 

Rita; O, fate, cruel fate that his bitterest enemy may visit him 
and I may n tl Fondesveila i( you think I shall submit t your wick- 
ed scheme you are mistaken. I shall use every means within ii.y 
power to free my husband, and punish you! O, fool, you know n. t 
the depth of woman's love, nor the breadth of woman s hate In both 
is she mightier than man and through them shall I conquer you. 

Fon: Think so. my pretty one? A carraige awaits me at the door 
— all is fair in love or war — if you will not listen to my fair entreaties, 
then I shall do with you as I like — Come! (Fondesveila attempts to 
take Rita out, Mercedes enters and throws herself between them.) 

Mer: Not so! For I shall piotect her with my life ! 

Fon: You? you mite of a girl. How could you protect any one? 
Stand aSide! Come on Rita? V/e will go now. (Enters Biddy with 
rolling pin in her hand — rushes between Rita and Fon., Pat also enters.) 

Biddy: Faith I ain't nothing but an Irish Biddy, but I'll take care 
of the maisthress. Don t ye tech ei! 

Hat: An' if ye tech that swate little gal of mine — I'll I'll — git out 
of the way — Confound my narves! 

l-ON: (To Biddy) Stand aside girl (Thrusts Biddy aside, puts arm 
round Rita's waist and forces her toward the door ) Come, my beau- 
ty, come! 

Rita: (sc^eams) Help! help! save me! 

Vic: (enters) Would you harm a defenseesls woman? (Thrusts Fon 
a>ide.) 

Fon: VVho are you that you dare interfere with m(j? 

Vic: I am Vict'jr Leslie an American! (Quick Curtain.) 




-16— 



A SPANIARD'S REVENGE. 
ACT III. 

SCENE — GARDEN. STORM GRADUALLY COMING ON. THUNDER, R IN 
AND LIGHTNING IN LA'ITER HALF OF ACT. CHILDREN ISCOV- 
hKKU PLAYING. 

HiDDV: (Enteiing) Here the darlmls are, a playin as nice an' 
swate as ye plaze. Sluiie now an I can t understliand the Mais- 
thress at all, any more. Slie don't same to notice the children or any- 
thing >ince the Maslher's hten tooi<.en away. She jest wapes an 
everything is goin'' to ruin at onct aheddy -everything s spoih. Thg 
Maisthress lost her husl>and an I ve lost me swatehart Ou Pat — . 
I'at ye d'dn't know how it broke yer Biddy s heart to send ye away. 
Ou, Pat, I love ye so I do; an if ye vvaren't sich a cowart I'd marry 
ye to-day! But I m far away from meoAfn counthry an' when I m u- 
ry 'twill be some man wh > can take care o' me, But oh, Pal, [ love 
ye wid me whole heart an I 11 never marry aniiher. (To children) 
Come on now; Itt s go to the house. 

Ri: But we don t want to go to the house, do we. sister? 

Eva: No, we don't, and we won't! 

Biddy: O. whatever shall I do? The children won t moind an' 
the Maisthress won't make *em. Faith, an' the whole place is goin' 
to paces since the Mas'her left. (Busies herself with children — Pat 
enters unseen by Biddy.) 

Pat: O, there is the darlint craythur ihat I aint sit eyes on fer 
many a day. Ach! but *it."t she a beauty? Ain t she swate? But 
sht- don't know her old Pat since the Maisthress drest her up so foine, 
and give her so much money. Ou. Patrick old fellow, yere a fool 
so ye are an if it hadn't been fer ye re confoumled narves ye d a had 
yer own Biddy a lovin" ye right now. An' now she 11 not even not'ce 
ye! I'll just spake to her Confound my narve. I begin to tremble at 
the very thought of a glance from thim blue eyes. 

Biddy: Come on, dearies; let yer own Biddy take ye home like 
good children. For its gettin' dark an a s orm s ciimin' up fast. 

Eva: O, Biddy there's Pat. 

Biddy: Well, never moind Pat; come on 

Pat: Now I'll spake to her if it kills me! (starts to her, retreats) 
Holy shmoke, an' why don t she look at me? 

Eva: Biddy, there's Pal! 

Biddy: Never moind Pat, I say! 

Pat: Now I'll spake to her or die! Confound it, confound it I 
say! An' I don t like women no way; thay re so mane and decateful — 



-17— 

always a temptin" a man by their swateness, an" ihen when ye git 'em 
thay're nothing but red pepper. I m goin" to spake o her an' let her 
know I don t care if she did send me away, (starts up and after much 
advancing and retreating, touches her arm) Biddy, yer own Pat wants 
to spake to ye. 

Bi-ODY: Whin ye want to spake to me, Mr. O Fallen, call me Miss 
O 'Grady, if yer plaze! 

Pat: Holy shmoke! an' ain't she peppery? Yes mum excuse me 
Miss O'Grady. if you plaze! 

Kiddy: Goose! Ye ve no more since than when ye left! 

Pat: That's jest right; I haven't much since, or I wouldn't be 
lovin" ye so hard Biddy darlint me heart s bin like lead since ye sint 
me away, an' I ain't siaped nerate. I'm jest a pinin' away an dyin 
fer the love of ye. Shure now an' I ain t much, but I d marry ye to- 
morrow, if ye'd have me! 

Biddy: Ye would, would ye? Weil • ye re not the only tm can 
in our back yard" — a young Cuban s done asked me. 

Pat; Ye won't mirry an ould wager like him, will ye? 

Biddy: I don't know; but I expect I will. 

Pat: O Biddy, plaze don't Ye shurely won't brake me heart 
like that. Biddy, say ye dont like that wager. 

Hidi:)Y: Faith, an' I ain't got time. I must take the children in. 

Pat. O, Biddy, Biddy, swatest crathure on airth; don't lave me. 
Stay wid yer own Pat what loves ye. 

Biddy: I can t Pat. 

Pat: An' I d loike to know the reason why ye can't! 

JJiDDY: Well, tht. reason is aisy enough. I'm goin" to mate mc 
Cuban. 

Pat: Ach, Biddy, an ye're killin" me so ye are. Darlint, swate- 
heart, lovliest of bein s don't lave me. 

hiDDY: Come on, childien; let's go. Ta ra, Pat. (Exit Biddy 
and children. Eva runs back to Pat.) 

Eva: Don t feel bad, Pat. Biddy's a good girl, and she loves you 

Pat (kissing her); Shure now. an ye're an angil; an' I 11 never 
fergit ye. 

Eva: I've got tog now. Good-bye! (Exit) 

Pat: Good-bye. Begorra an' if I could only belave her, I d be 
the happiest man on airth. Faith an' I don t know what to do: wom- 
en are sich bothers. Ye never can tell what they inane. I'll go ask 
Mr. Leslie He knows everything. (Exit) 

Mer: How dark it grows and how quickly the storm approaches. 
Yet I would gladly beai my head and ru.'^h into a mightier gale than 
this for you oh, Ric irdo! If Victorian and I succeed you will yet be free! 
Victorian Victorian — how sweet the name falls on my ear! Before I 
knew it, I had given hiin my heart. O Victorian I love you with all 
the passion of a Spanish girl. Hut I must not tliink of him. He will 



-18- 

soDfi leave tliis cuuntry -for liis own and choose for his bride some 
maid of ihat fair chme. And then the Spanish senorUa will remain 
but as a dream. O Victorian those northun women with their while 
faces and cold hearts, cannot l.>ve as I do Yet you choose them and 
I love on with ever growing madness and you will nut sec? (Paustss; 
seals herself on lustic bench. Enter Vic.) 
1 Vie: Wny So pensive Meicedcs? 

Mek: Ah I was o.dy thinking. Is it any wonder that my 
thoughts are sad? 

Vic: No. child; the wonder is that you bear up so well. You have 
been a brave little Spanish maid during these trying times. 

Mer; Spanish girls are always brave — when they Kjve. 

Vic: You have shown that in your devotion to your sister and her 
husband. 

Mer: But come, Victorian we have no time t > waste. See how dark 
it growsl Th« stnrm will soon l)urst in all its fury, and may retard us. 

Vic: N'>t so Mercedes. The storm but ;ii(ls us. To brave a 
prison guardeii by so many men is no light task for one. Are you 
sure you have discovered and can lead me to Kicardo s cell? 

Mkk: I am sure. Last night when all was still. I crept into the 
principal passageway nf the prison and hiding myself listened 
"Twas near midnight when Fondesveil* came down the passage. lie 
entered the meanest cell, and I crept to the door to listen and O, \'ii - 
tor, such .rounds of anv^uish I never heard. They froze my very 
blood. I would have given my life to have moved, but couli nol. 
Fondesveila was torturing Ricardo ho ing to make him write a note 
to Rita, telling her to save his life by securing a divorce and marry- 
ing Fondesveila. This Kicardo would not do. and at last his tor- 
mentor left him; and I crept away. But as I turned to go. I heard 
Fondesveila say to Ricardo: ' 'Twere better for you th.it you w-ote 
that note, for to morrow you die! •(), come Victorian come quickly; 
let us save Ric rdo. 

Vie: 'Tis teo early yet I dare noi return till nearly morning — 
'twould be utter madness to go now 

Mer: And while we wait, perhaps Ricardo dies 

Vic; I trust not! .Mercedes, I am taking a bold step It may 
mean freedom for Ricardo. It in/iy mean'death for me. And though 
life is very sweet I would not have you think I fear deati'; and you 
must not think me brave that I thus risk my life, for I hold a true man 
is ready to die at any minute if his duty demand it. Mercedes be- 
fore I met you death meant little to me; simply an inevitable passing 
from this life into that beyond. But now that I know you, all is 
changed I long fo live and love you. Meicedes my heart is yours; 
and my dream is that some day you will lie my bride. O, child, I 
desire your love as only a strong man can desire the love of a perfect 
woman. Give me one word ofc^'mfortto take with me in this night 



I 



-19- 

cf danger. Tell me ihat you love me. 

Mer: All that jou desire shall be yours for I love you! 
Vie: Those words I >ring more joy to my heart than have ever 
known. But I dare not say more lest life seem so sweet that I shrink 
from the dangers of the night. See! The storm is upon us, and we 
must go if we save Ricardo Ruiz. (Exit) 

Rita (enters): And have I escaped at last, or does he still follow? 
Ah no, he has not yet come and I have security in the tenor ol the 
night! But the darkness will not last. The roar f the Sturm and 
the lash of the gale will cease. The searching lit^ht of .lay will pene- 
trate the remotest corner of the land and discover my hiding place, 
and then oh, Rita!— where wilt thou fly. that thuu mayest escape his 
wrath! Roar on oh storm, and rage ye winds! Enshroud the earth 
in darkest gloom till life itself be past; then I no more his hatred face 
may see! O Ricardo, where art thou that thou doSt not hear thy 
Ritas cry or see the fiend pursuing her? To-ni.,^ht he may not seek 
me, hut to-morrow no roof may shelter. O kind protecting night, 
stretch out into eternity an i hide me from my foe. Can it be but 
three short months since my Ricardo left me? Three months or ages 
since I was a hap,.y wife; asking nothing desiring nothing that was 
not mine. But three short months and my Ricardo kept nic safe in 
in the shelter of his arms; and now I have not where to lay my head. 
Becomes! My enemy approaches and whither shall I fly? Is there 
no hiding place?— No shelter frcm his hate? Yes! Yonder rolls the 
wildly tossing river— m its bosom I shall be free in death! Am I mad 
that I forget my children? Let c -me what m ly I cannot leave them 
to hu u.ercy. Shelter thou me, oh night of storm, and te.ich me 
what t" do; for my pursuer comes! 

I'AT (entering): Shure now, an' I thought I d jes^ come back an^ 
take a papc at the spot where I last >aw me swate Biddy. Holy 
shmoke! an what is that! The Maisthress out in sich a ^torm loike 
this! Begorra an' I don t understhand it at all. at all! I ask yc-r 
pardin, Maisthress, but - 

Rita: Pat, is that you? I thought— I thought — 
Pat (aside): An' what s the matter now? These women git more 
perplexin" all the time. No v, there is me own Biddy a takin oi. over 
an ould Cuban— no more than a wager I say— an here s -he Mais- 
thress; who niver so much as put her little foot out on the damp 
ground, a roamin' out in a sthorm like this (to Rita) Askin yer par- 
din, Mdslhress, hopin' ye will excuse me fer snyin it but, hang it all, 
it's a rainin ! 

Rita: I know it, Pat. 

Pat (aside): I know it. Pat! Well did I ever in me loife? I know 
it. Pal! An' she kapes a sittin there jist lo=ke the sun was a shinin'. 
Faith an I beUve the worlds been a st.mdin on the wrong ind since 
the Masther left. Maisthress I hope you won't thir.k I ni impeili- 



-20- 

nent if I— if I— confound my narves! — if I ask ye to go home! 

Rn-: Go home? O, thai I could once more call that dear spot 
h'>me! Pat. I have no home. 

PAr: What's the matter now — am I talkin' to a woman, or a 
ghost? What s the matter with the big house over the way where we 
all livf? 

Rita: Pat, my good fellow we live there no more, I have not 
(.ne foot of ground, not one penny in the world All, all, has been 
cOiiriscated by the Spanish government. Hut now, Fondesveila came 
to inform me i-f ihe fact, and I was compelled to rush out in the night 
that I might escape him. There is no where that I may go; no house 
that I may enter; for I am an outcast Those who would succor 
me dare not: it would but incur the wrath of those Spanish hounds 
Even the brav falter before their cruelty. Could I reach America I 
would be safe; but I cannot rrach her shore. All is dark. There is 
not ore ray of light. To-morro they will find me. and then oh the 
horror ot it! I shall he at the mercy of Fondesveila! 

Pat: Shure now, Maisthress, an' it ain't so bad as that. Niver 
moind; rlon t wape so hard. I'll fix it fer ye. Tve got a shmall 
place; — to be shure. it's but a mane place fer the likes of ye but if ye 
don't moind its rough walls, ye can go and live with Pat the c iwait. 

RriA: O, ttiank you. thank you Pat. You may take ray little 
ones and care for them. What befalls me does not matter now. since 
they are safe. 

FON (enter): Ah I have found you, my pretty one. There is noth- 
ing to keep you from me this time. You shall go with me! 

Pat: Well. I reckcm not! Pat O Fallen ain t goin' to sthand by 
an' see an ould rascal loike ye, harm Ihe Maisthres.>;. When ye take 
her, ye take me; faith, an I dont belave ye want the two of us! 

(Enter Biddy) BiDDY: Ou Pat, Pat, I 11 never call ye cow«rt 
any m' re an" ye can have me now if ye want me. 

Pat: Come to me arms, Hid.iy darlint. (Hiddy falls into his a'ms.) 

(Enter Vic.) Vic: Hurrah, hurrah, for Pat, the coward! 

FoN: That American again, cur^e him! 

ViC: Yes, Victor Leslie! And if you further annoy this woman 
(raising hand protectingly over Rita) you shall learn to tremble at the 
name of ' that American' ! 

Fon: Not I my friend, not I. You shall suffer for this hotheaded- 
ness. You have gone too far. (enter Spanish soldiers) The gates of a 
Spanish prison are waiting to close upon you and woe be unto him 
who enters there! (to soldiers) Take him into custody. Treat him as 
you did the last prisoner, Ricardo Ruiz! (.Soldiers start toward Vic. 
Rita clings to him. — Mercedes enters unfurls a United States flag, 
and waves it over Victor.) 

Mer: This man is an American, and under the protection of the 
'•Stars and Stripes' ! Lay your hand upon him and you insult this 
flag! ! ! (Soldiers step back and lift their hats.) (Quick curtain.) 



-21 



A SPANIARD'S REVENGE 

ACT IV. 

SCENE: — PRISON CELL. RlCAKDO DISCOVERED SI.EEPINC ON KLOoR. 
FURNITURE — ONE CHAIR. 

Ruiz: Ah, Rila, I knew that ycu would cornel Rita not here? 
And my joy was Imt a dream! Awake or asleep, I am haunted by a 
vision of my wife s sweet face. Thought but tantalizes me the more. 
I see her face now aglow with pleasure, now pale with despair. Try 
as I may, I can think of nothing else, and the thought of her 
brings with it deepest misery. They tore me from her three long 
months ago. on the pretext fif lielieving me to have assisted the rebels 
in wrecking a train carrying Supplies to the Span'sh troops. That I 
am innocent my accusers well know and for that reason they have con- 
fined me in this mean hole without even so much as a trial. I am 
simply at the mercy of those fiends and without chance of vindication. 
I know my doom — a long imprisonment and ultimate death. Hut I 
could bear all were it not for the thought of my wife and helpless 
children alone in this land of war with no one to care for and protect 
them. O, Rita that I had heeded thee and taken thee and our little 
ones to a place of safety! But I must waste no tiiiie in idle dreaming! 
I have work tO do! O, Fondesveila! Vou did not know to what 
depths a desperatt- man may go else you never woild have allowed 
this chair sent me by my loving wife to have reached this cell. Could 
you have known what light it brought into my darkness, what balm it 
gave to my wounded heart, you would not have allowed it sent me. 
You thought to torture me f>y chaining me so I could not rest myself 
m it, but oh, demon that you are you were mistaken there! For I can 
see it. and when I do. I fancy that my Rita s head is pillowed there 
once more: that our children play about her knee; that we are all at 
home, living a life of peace and love, and all this is but a hideou^ 
dream that will pass out of u.y life forever. And I can do more — I 
can touch it! and I can mark upon it with my bleeding nails a mes- 
sage to my wife You had not thought of that! Let me see what I 
have written — (fieads on chair the messa.[e he has written): Merce- 
cedes, Ricardito Evangelina -good-bye children of my heart. I give 
thee my blessing. Be obe lient to your mother. F )n lesveila will kill 
me — tell everything Farewell, farewell! Rita of my snul Fondes 
reila fiend fury in seeking to torture you have given a poor hepless 



-22- 

man a great joy. Rita dearest to my heart. I knnw that thou wil; 
discover lliis, my farewell, long after thy Kicardo lies silent i; the tomb, 
and may it reach thee how di^votedly he loved hee. (Enter Fon.) 

FCN: My good friend y»u seem lonesome. 

Ruiz: Uo I? Well your presence does not alleviate it in the least _ 

FON; You are not very poli te to me, considering thai I am the 
only one who can efiect your freedom. You are a queer fellow. Most 
( eople are more than glaii to welcome those who aie in a position Jo 
do them a great favor. 

Ruiz: 1 expect and would accej)! no lavois at your hands, hut 
I do desire justice, (iivc me a trial and I will prove to the world that 
J am innocent! 

Fo.\: Justice? Very pretty Sentiment, very; you desire to see jus- 
tice done? Well, when you do, twill he it the poini of a gun. Don't 
you know that 'tis only as a favor to me that the Spanish authorities 
have not had you executed ere this? 

Rrl/: I hen order my execution at once. If I were dying and 
you held in your han I the only means of saving me. such is my hate 
for you, though I long for life, I would not accept it at yi,ur liands. 

FoN: I can understand your feelings and pity you. Men always 
hate their successful rivals, and I know hy your expressions of dislike 
for me that you kave hear i — 

kuiz: Heard what? 

FoN: That the Spanish government, learning of your dastardly 
conduct, has granted your former wife a full separation Irom you and 
that your beloved Rita is now my wife. 

Ruiz: Villain you liel Coward that you aie to thus malign my 
wife, when I am helpless to defend herl Were I unshackled, you 
would not dare speak to me oflier as you have done. 

FoN: You are exceptionally gallant in thus defending my wife 
against her husband. Such chivalry I have never known befo'e. In 
answer to what you said of me, I will say, I may be a villain, but 
when you call me coward, you lit! 

Rl'IZ: Prove it! Unlock my chains and let us take it hand to 
hand for freedom or for death! 

FoN: You are overwrought, my friend, or you would not attempt 
to fight me. Probably you have never heard of my wonderful strength 
In my hands, you would be but as a mouse in the claws of a sportir.g 
kitten. 

Ruiz: We will see! Unlock my chains! 

Fo.N; Just as you say But I will firit lay aside my weapons, and 
as I wish to be lair, will offer you my swutd and will myself depend 
entirely upon my muscle (hands him sword). 

Rt;iz (throwing sword behind him): I want no weapon. Unlock 
my chain! 

FON: All right, my man but you are entering an unequal contest . 



-23- 

\'ou will liise your life. 

Ruiz; Better death than such a life. 

FoN: Yes I II undo your chain (aside) — the chain that binds vou 
to this life! (Strikes hirn on head with hilt of discarded sword.) 

Ruiz: Treachery, treachery! O, Rita, I die! America, proudest 
country of the world, aveiiyje this death! (Enter two soldiers ) 

FoN: That blow was well aimed. Bar the door and come here. 
This little affair is finished now; but there is need of great haste in 
disposing of his body. | do not wish him found. I will give you 
(irders. Obey, and not one word, on your life' (Noise without 
Soldiers cover Ruiz with blanket.) 

Vic. Open thii door, open this door, or I will break it down! 
(Beats on door which gives way and precipitates Pat.) 

Fat: Fait'i, an' what have I got into now? 

FoN: And so it's you, is it? I II make »hort work of you! Vou 
will take the same route as your master! (raises sword to strike him.) 

Vic (enters): Not so fast! Not so fast! If you have any accounts, 
settle them with the American! 

FoN (to soldiers): Call the guard! 

Vic (to soldiers): Obey, and you *r« dead men! F'ondesveila, 
what sort of an infant do you take me for. that you think I would enter 
your prison without first disposing of your guard? Call till you are 
hoarse; you will receive no response. Your men art all peacefully 
sleeping. You see I have outwitted you; that is the Senorita and I — 
She disguifed as a fruit and candy vender, pasted among your guard 
and concealed in her sweets, administered to each a sleeping potion. 
You are outdone, Fondesveila, and I demand the release of your pris- 
oner, Ricardo Ruir! 

Fo.n: He will be of little use to you now; for he is dead. There 
he lies. 

Vic: Yes, he is dead; and you have killed him. .1 would like to 
take the law into my own hands and administer justice to you; you 
villain! (Enter Mercedes and Rita, Biddy and children.) 

Mer: Our plan worked out very nicely, did it not, Victorian? 
Fondesveila, you are wonderfully clever, but others are more so. 
Some one else holds the reins now, and you do not seem to enjoy it. 

Rita: Victorian, take me to my husband I can wait no longer. 

ViC: I have been compelled durmg my life to perform some very 
sad duties, but never one which tore my heart as does this. But, 
Rita, you have proven yourself a brave, true woman, and you must 
endearor to be so when I tell you to what a severe diiappointment you 
are to be subjected. Your Ricardo is not here to meet you. 

Rita: O Victorian. I cannot endure it! The weight of misfortune 
is too heavy for a weak woman. Tell me, have these wretches taken 
Ricardo from this prison to one yet more vile? Let me know where it 
is, and I will follow 



-24- 

FoN: Not soon. I trust Rila. 

\^1C: Not another word. Fonilesveila. (), how can I break this 
news to Rita? Yes, they have released your Kicardo from his prison 
of clay and he is now beyond all earthly pain or pleasure. He has 
taken that jourm-y into the unknown, vihich we must all take sooner 
oi- later. All that remains of your beloved and once loving husband, 
lies there 

Rita: Dead! My Ricardo deail! Oh no, Victorian, you must be 
mistaken — my Ricardo could not die he was .^o young and str ng. 
Wake, oh, Ricarilo, wake; lis thine own Rila calls to thee. Speak 
to me, Ricardo — thou wert never silent to my pleadings. O, Merce- 
des, oh Vi :torian. he will not heai me! Can it be that he is dead? 
O, children ol my lile and his; we are sore bereft. Thy liands are 
cold and flo not kn(jw thy Rita s picss upon them; thy ears are cold 
and do not hear me; thy lips are cokl and do not answer And this is 
death? O. cruel, cruel licnd, that tears us fioni our loVed ones! Fon- 
desvei'a, my Ricardo did not die — he was murdered! Revengel 
revenge! 'l"he word continues to grow and magnify itself, till all the 
world is enveloped in that one word — revenge! Revenge, I must and 
will have! Victoiian, there stand my helpless chddren in their desola- 
tion. Pity them. There lies my murdered husband; there stands his 
murderer. In the name of America, avenge this death. (Sees chair. 
Examines writing.) 

FON: Why do you say I killed your husband? You have no])roof. 

Rita; No proof? I have no proof, you say? Here in my hus- 
band's last message is proof sufficient. 

FoN: His last message? He sent none. 

RiTA (pointing to chair): .'\ye but he did — read! 

FON (reads): Twas but my maddening love that caused my crime. 
(Kneels) Oh, Rita, have mercy upon him who has loved y(ni to his 
destruction Pity, pity! Have you no pity? 

Rita: None! The widow of that murdered man is a Spanish 
woman, and she ill take 'A Spaniard's Revenge '! (Takes dagger 
from her dress and stabs him as he kneels. F'ondesveila dies ) 
(Curtain.) 



s:^m.' 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 211 970 5 • 



